The City of Lufkin Animal Services is located at the Kurth Memorial Animal Shelter, 1901 Hill Street. Animal Services is a support division of the Lufkin Police Department.More >>

The City of Lufkin Animal Services is located at the Kurth Memorial Animal Shelter, 1901 Hill Street. Animal Services is a support division of the Lufkin Police Department. Animal Services enforces city ordinances and state laws inside the city limits of Lufkin.More >>

The East Texas Working Dog Association is a small group of dog lovers who enjoy training and competing in obedience, agility, and flyball.More >>

The East Texas Working Dog Association is a small group of dog lovers who enjoy training and competing in obedience, agility, and flyball. The organization also promotes responsible pet ownership, and is always happy to put on free demonstrations for other local clubs and organizations.More >>

The Nacogdoches Animal Shelter is dedicated to providing and promoting the humane treatment of animals while protecting the public by managing the animal population inside Nacogdoches . More >>

The Nacogdoches Animal Shelter is dedicated to providing and promoting the humane treatment of animals while protecting the public by managing the animal population inside Nacogdoches. The shelter also adopts out animals to loving families and encourages all pet owners to spay or neuter their pets in order to keep the pet population down.More >>

With approximately 50 percent of the U.S. dog population composed of mixed breeds, it's a question many dog lovers hear. In the past, guesses at the breed mix were based on appearance and temperament, but now DNA testing can unlock the mystery of a dog's genetic heritage.

With approximately 50 percent of the U.S. dog population composed of mixed breeds, it's a question many dog lovers hear. In the past, guesses at the breed mix were based on appearance and temperament, but now DNA testing can unlock the mystery of a dog's genetic heritage.

Reading assistance dog programs are popping up at libraries, schools and nonprofit organizations. Both organizers and participants say the literacy dogs are making a significant difference in the lives of children.

Reading assistance dog programs are popping up at libraries, schools and nonprofit organizations. Both organizers and participants say the literacy dogs are making a significant difference in the lives of children.

Shy dogs can be like shy people: They are fine in familiar circumstances and with familiar people, but may become anxious and even defensive when exposed to strange dogs and situations.

Scientists believe there is a genetic component to an individual's behaviors and emotions, so it's true that some dogs are just born shyer than others.

But often the behavior sets in when the dog is a puppy. The disposition to be shy can affect interactions with littermates. Shyness could also emerge if the puppy is removed from its mother too early or if the dog is not properly socialized.

In the extreme, shy dogs may run from people, other dogs and certain places or things. They could even snarl, growl or bite because they feel threatened and become defensive.

It's especially important to address such issues in breeds with a history of being aggressive, since shyness and this defensive reaction could prove to be a deadly combination for both the dog and others.

Jennifer Bridwell, author of the book The Everything Dog Obedience Book: From Bad Dog to Good Dog -- A Step-By-Step Guide to Curbing Misbehavior, advises that you first have your dog checked out by a veterinarian. Sometimes underlying health issues, such as thyroid problems, can cause your pet to be more anxious and jumpy.

It's then important to take steps to socialize your dog. Slowly introduce your pet to new people and places, offering verbal praise and small food rewards for good behavior.

If you have a purebred, contact local clubs for the breed to get advice from others who have experienced similar problems with their dogs.

Reinforcing training commands can also be a comfort for your pet. You are essentially giving it a toolkit on how to react under different circumstances.

It will always be more challenging to work with a dog that wasn't adequately socialized as a puppy, but the end result -- a happier, calmer, better-behaved pal -- is worth the extra effort. Visit our Daily Cat website for tips and ideas on boosting your cat's confidence.

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